WASHINGTON TALK

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1933, Page 5

WASHINGTON TALK

POWERS INVITED

many international matters

(United Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, April 6. The “New Yorkj. Times’ ” AVashington correspondent says: “Happy over Mr MacDonald’s acceptance of the invitation to come to Washington, President Roosevelt and Senator Hull (Secretary of State) revealed that invitations, which envisage a virtual call to an international conference at Washington preparatory to the world Economic Conference, have been extended t,o various powers through their resident diplomatic envoys,, and through Mr Davis during his visits to the capitals of Europe. It is learned that Mr Roosevelt to-day let M. Paul Claudel ■ (French ambassador) know he would be most pleased if France chose to send M. Herriot to Washington*

Of course, it is not known if such a designation will be acceptable to the 'Premier of France, *M. Daladier and M. Paul Boncour (French Foreign Minister), but - M,| Harriot's position ns to the debts to U.B.A. and his general liberal tendencies would make his prestige' here great if he came. Diplomats representing Italy, Spairi, Sweden, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Rumania, Denmark and Hutfgary have also been visited by Mr Hull during thq day. It is understood that they were informed that representatives from their countries would be most welcome. In the ease of the Italian ambassador, Signor Rossi, the invitation avus made broad enough to indicate that Signer Mussolini would be welcome if he chose tc come. Meanwhile the 'Raft of legislation granting the I‘resident the pOAver to negotiate reciprocal tariff agrements is completed, and it Avill be presented to Congress shortly. While President Roosevelt, in a statement, yesterday mentioned the possibility of disarmament as a Washington conference topic, and from Paris there came reports that the French would like to discuss the maintaining of the. world’s political status quo for a term of years, there seems to be a strong belief here that l'eal progress will be- made in neither of these subjects during the April meetings. Strictly economic matters, which include the Avar debts, are expected to be the basis of the only effective advance in understanding. The Administration continues to hope that France will have met her debt instalment, due last December, before the conversations begin. The procedure .of, the discussions now contemplated includes conversations betAveen Mr* R. MacDonald, President Roosevelt, Senator Hull and a French Peptfeseintathfe, from which they will seek the development of triangular accord in respect of the j agenda for, the world conference. Then ] there will lje private con Aerations be- j tAveen President ■ Roosevelt, U.S. -Sec- j rotary Hull and the respective envoys j and possibly general discussions be- j tAA r een the entire group. Outlining the legislative programme for the remainder of the special session, the Speaker (Mr Rainey) said that no action Avould be taken in respect to silver Avhich had become an international question, upon Avhich a decision Avould have to be made, by Britain, France and the United States (Supporting the 230 million dollar naval programme sponsored by Mr Vinson (chairman of the House Nnval Committee), Mr Rainey said that the next war Avould be fought Avith poison gas, submarines, and bombs from the air. We might as Avell tight the next Avar Avith modern equipment,” he said. “When is the next AA’ar coming?” lie was asked. “I' hope it Avon’t come,” lie replied